Man wanted in Vermont arrested after high-speed chase in Rochester

After locating a wanted felon who allegedly fled authorities in a high-speed chase Wednesday, members of Rochester Police and N.H. State Police conducted a thorough search around a garage at 160 Milton Road.
John Quinn/Union Leader

ROCHESTER – A Vermont man will face charges after police say he attempted to drive over an officer and led a chase around the city, according to Police Capt. Paul Toussaint.

Reuben Adams, 36, of Vermont, was wanted in that state for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, attempting to evade capture, negligent operation and possession of heroin.

After receiving a request from members of N.H. Probation & Parole at 10:41 a.m., Rochester police and Strafford County sheriff's deputies responded to a residence on Bridge Street. Toussaint said while authorities were preparing to approach the home, Adams got into a vehicle and "almost ran over one of the officers in the driveway."

Toussaint said Adams drove the wrong way on Union Street before heading north along Wakefield Street – Route 125 - which becomes Milton Road. As a precaution, police called off the pursuit, Toussaint said.

"We had estimates that he was going over 100 mph," Toussaint said.

Police continued to search for Adams, who crashed his vehicle into a curb at the 'Lil Mart along Milton Road, according to Toussaint. He said the impact destroyed the front right tire and rendered the vehicle inoperable.

"He got out of the vehicle and fled on foot," Toussaint said.

Police established a perimeter around the residential area and evacuated a few residents while searching for Adams.

Toussaint said departments from around the area responded to assist local officers — including police from Barrington, Farmington, Middleton, Milton and New Durham, members of N.H. State Police K-9 teams, N.H. Probation & Parole and the Strafford County Sheriff's Department. He said Maine State Police responded but remained on the other side of the state line.

Toussaint said Adams was located and captured in a garage behind 160 Milton Road at 12:19 p.m.

"There's going to be a lot of charges," Toussaint said, adding Adams will likely face another attempted first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer, but he was still being processed at the Rochester Police Station Wednesday afternoon.

Toussaint said no one was injured during the incident and nearby schools were not placed on lockdown.

He said police continue to search the area for evidence. Some reports received by police indicated Adams may have had a gun, and someone said a gunshot was heard after the crash. "We don't believe that a gun was involved," Toussaint said, but police are searching as a precaution.

Anyone who finds a weapon in the area or who has information about the matter is encouraged to contact Rochester Police at 330-7127.